Procurement professionals occasionally need a new supplier for some manufactured item. The reason may be a new product, failed existing supplier, or simply the search for “better”. So what’s the best way to find that “right” supplier—especially if you don’t have a handy candidate?
There can be no one answer, as circumstances range from simple best price, one-time RFQ’s to a quest for a very sophisticated large and complex long term relationship.
We searched the internet for answers to the question, and found a number of articles, thoughts, and reports on the subject. None was particularly profound and we suppose that corresponds to the variety of situations.
At one extreme, a reverse auction might be a good answer. If you need a fast answer and price is the overwhelming criterion, the reverse auction would seem to be a good fit. Similarly, asking associates or even other suppliers for referrals might yield fast and satisfactory results.
In the absence of supplier referrals, there are several internet directory-type sources such as Thomasnet or Globalspec. In these cases you can introduce various needed factors and obtain supplier choices that fit those criteria.
At the other extreme end, the situation may require a lengthy qualification process, sample submissions, perhaps including certifications or, memberships and even security clearances.
In one article we found, a manufacturer needing a new supplier, and unable to find any via internet search or referrals, visited a trade show featuring manufacturers of similar products. The manufacturer visited various booths asking who would be interested in working with a new company, and eventually found a satisfactory supplier. After the trade show there was a lengthy qualification process of back-and-forth communications between the manufacturer and prospective suppliers. While ultimately successful, it sounded to us like a very long and inefficient procedure. We suggest a better way.
In all the above cases, potential buyers found a path to a solution on their own. This is probably the case in an overwhelming number of situations. On the other hand, suppose you have neither time nor adequate resources? Or would you like a no-obligation way to examine more options?
If your situation is somewhere between the two extremes above, and if you are open to assistance without obligation in finding a suitable supplier candidate, we hope you will consider Proficient Sourcing. Proficient Sourcing exists to bring value to buyers in just these situations. Our mission is to supply excellent candidates for your requirements, and to do so quickly. As opposed to most manufacturer’s representation organizations, we strive to provide multiple candidates.
In our experience there is an element of urgency when new suppliers are sought. This means you may not have a good way to determine if various candidates are suitable over time. For example, is there capacity for future requirements (which your original RFQ probably does not identify)? In addition, your search may occur at a time when a really good supplier choice is otherwise occupied.
Further, do these candidates have a history of on-time delivery of parts built to specification and with good value and service? Is there also any evidence the company would be interested in improvement activities and/or inventorying your parts?
There are any number of supplier characteristics that may become important over time. Many of these are not investigated in first-time situations, and may become difficulties later. We try very hard to take all these factors into account in our recommendations.
We are ready to work on your requirements whenever you are. (513) 489-5252 will connect you to immediate action.